Pokémon Master

Pokémon Master (Japanese: ポケモンマスターPokémon Master) is a title in the Pokémon world. It is the goal of many Pokémon Trainers, including Ash Ketchum, to become a Pokémon Master. However, exactly what this position is and how one attains it is vague and never fully explained.

In response to an email sent to Pokémon.com's mailbag, Pokémon.com posted the following:

"I'm very sorry, but the Pokémon Company does not answer questions of this nature.
It is the intent of the Pokémon creators that such questions be left to the imaginations and interpretations of Pokémon fans, adding more excitement and mystery to the Pokémon universe."

The Official Pokémon Handbook states that a Trainer would deserve the title of Pokémon Master upon defeating or capturing Mewtwo. The handbook also refers to the Elite Four members as "Master Trainers".

In the Diamond & Pearl series, Ash explicitly stated that by becoming a Pokémon Champion, he will become a Pokémon Master.

In Memories are Made of Bliss!, Cynthia is defined as a "Champion Master," someone who has defeated all opponents including the Elite Four and defends their title against all opposing Trainers. In a sense, they are undefeated by any Trainer that has officially challenged them to claim their "Champion Master" title, though it is unspecific whether it is a regional or national title, it is implied to be a national foundation. Ash states that if he became a Champion Master, he could finally become a Pokémon Master.

In The Name's N!, N shows displeasure in hearing that Ash dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master.

Theories

This section contains fan speculation.There is no solid evidence for or against some parts of this article.

After defeating Giovanni at Viridian Gym, when he gives the player the Earth Badge he says it is "evidence of your mastery as a Pokémon Trainer" which may imply that a Pokémon Master is one who has collected all of the GymBadges in a region.

Yet in the context of the anime this is not the case as Ash has collected all the Gym Badges in multiple regions and still does not consider himself a Pokémon Master.